retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench How to pronounce retrench (audio)
retrenched; retrenching; retrenches

transitive verb

1
b
: to cut out : excise
2
: to pare away : remove

intransitive verb

: to make retrenchments
specifically : economize
Choose the Right Synonym for retrench

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent.

shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result.

the abridged version of the novel

retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

Examples of retrench in a Sentence

When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
France’s wine sector is currently experiencing a deep crisis, with many businesses forced to consolidate or retrench. Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 At a moment when many global carriers are retrenching, Cho is making a calculated and consequential bet: that enduring ties with the US and sustained investments in the passenger experience will help Korean Air navigate a trade war storm, one with no clear end in sight. Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 Chaos could well be the price for a failure to retrench. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024 Vance has called for the U.S. to retrench from Europe, a longtime Yarvin desideratum. Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for retrench

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrench was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrench. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

retrench

verb
re·​trench ri-ˈtrench How to pronounce retrench (audio)
1
2
: to reduce expenses
retrenchment
-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on retrench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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